The crowd sprung from their hiding spots, darting to the Pillar, flailing weapons and roars. I was late to the call; even Juke went ahead without me, but once I got my bearings, I sprinted in with my tendril brandished.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnu1gyLNLAr
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HS3j8JmKA
The truth was, though I ran with purpose, I hadn't the slightest clue what to do. I looked left and right and observed the other members of the crowd. Some took up battles with guarding Bringers, others continued their onslaught. I slowed down, thinking of offering my help, but the crowd members made their adeptness in combat immediately known to me. As assuring as it was to see, it left me lodged in place. I looked around frantically, shaking sweat off my head with every turn.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKphTk2FWS
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8Ek4ZBAnh
"Kid! Over here!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKAHSkJ9gr
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H3FDmqimR
A voice called out to me– Juke's, and immediately I was brought back to the moment. He stood near the entrance of the Pillar, and to that destination I dashed. My head turned left and right rapidly, and I had to duck a few too many times to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Once I arrived, I skidded to a stop.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxurjvKSnj
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrviJ5aMC8
"Ya ready!?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUnmJxwuC2
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrgsyjLOm1
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGJcbcBKcP
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAPYlSPmKj
We barged into the building with the rest of the squad. Nearly half of the members branched from the group to battle the guarding Bringers. I could only catch Lola and Pars before they finished their assault. Their attacks were effective and quickly incapacitated the members, if not outright killed them.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIOHBZmh73
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL48YFhffK8
I couldn't help but avert my gaze at the bloodshed. Doing so, I noticed I was just about to ram into the person ahead of me. I quickly stopped, grazing the man's coat but narrowly avoiding a clash. I held my hand to my chest, frantically grateful, then stood there wondering why he stopped in the first place187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo2VhbPoP3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpRbfkv0SY
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoqhgs2aBs
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvGwa2P0xV
"Everyone, listen! Form a double-file line with your group! As we ascend floors, the leading team will detach and battle whoever is on that floor! Am I clear!?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwbTdF5q3y
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3hJMn2rld
YEAH!187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWv70rK17B
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRlOPoU7TC
I was ready for the roar this time, but still, I shook, because the plan Lola had just created hurled me into a spiral of disorganized questions. But I hadn't the time to even form them; the crowd moved immediately after the instructions were yelled. They went ahead of me, charging, and I would've done nothing but stand there and stare if it wasn't for the smack on my back.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudmEcF7aMI
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxQq8H4hf6
"Ack!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcgGrqYZmK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvwPxfWtIp
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7gMQJbNiU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI3kEBHJX2
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQBUnc2Ns3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGoIUGVTpC
"R-Right!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKjjR4Ux0R
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkc070V0ECa
I shook my head rapidly as we followed the rest of the group, slapping my cheeks over and over. I almost folded then and there. Chiding myself verbally wouldn't suffice. I quickly resolved myself as we ascended the first set of stairs, disjointed from the rest of the squad. When we arrived at the second floor, the group was still again. I thought for a moment that Lola might've forgotten something, but as I peered around the crowd and saw who stood before us, I became just like them.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3s7TA60J5
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRR2jabJZI
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1mwC9a5IK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAdaAmuKdm
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxyt9EU1LP
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7MFKkgiRM
"Crap!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcp9cPviTCD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR8IM32J1W
I was worried, naturally. Having fought her before, I knew of her strength. But this was a different scenario. This time, I had a group of powerful fighters with me. By our sheer numbers, she shouldn't be a considerable threat.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZG17Rt2yp
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrovds2rve
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJNQV2joXs
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWxNLfA57I
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHNEGJWDTK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidgCAjWW9g
That comment put everyone on high alert, and only made me sweat more profusely. Having just been told that there is a time limit to this operation was a kick to the stomach. I looked at the rest of the crowd. They were brandishing their weapons and seemed to be readying their spells. I raised my tendril, half-heartedly ready to strike.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eydrkmc5I
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVkvtRsQnC
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ826ZlpQ6AA
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7vtf5yLfn
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6YoL9axah
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13Bx67jeVI
"L-Lola!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QGY9ZONSB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI01We3d95P
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtZNSzpjqH
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0nwwvp0kP
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfk0gO7wDB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1oXsJoyQD
And the crowd did. It dispersed throughout the room. I went to the left side, eyeing the Bringers and preparing to respond to any attacks. The Harbinger just clicked her tongue and stepped forward.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI8GaVZaLq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r1fFLTVqr
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2gcQJkyS3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNhxm0xlX2
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPf7bBbckX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4R5DqIb9w4
Shockingly, she ignored the rest of us. The few lackey Bringers were overwhelmed by our numbers The rest of the crowd descended, but I hung around for a moment and looked. I started at the floor. I saw blood and torn fabric that didn't come from the enemy, and as I raised my head my gaze fell on the two women.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW3p5PETms
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkSH9Oy1J7
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik7dLNSBO6
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwr6O2OGKQ
–
–
–187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r7DePHSPn
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT8dAY1I6w
Provided that she was sober, Lola was extraordinarily talented at keeping a calm face. It was necessitated by her loathsome job. It wasn't just for fighting, but for looking good while doing it, because that was expected for someone in her position.
Lola had no reason to keep that face of hers at that moment, but even if she did, she wouldn't have been able to keep it for long.
"Hah. How oh how did I wind up here?"
Through the rubber grip her dagger slowly slipped from her palms. She tapped on it with her finger rhythmically– pinky first, index last, over and over. It was an instinctive thing for her. It had to be for it to happen because all her being was focused on the monster ahead.
A Harbinger. Elusive as they were, the only thing the highly-positioned such as herself knew was that their powers were mysterious and unpredictable. Fortunately, this one was historically noisy.
"You're the Harbinger of Anger, correct?"
"What's it to you, filth?"
"It wouldn't be wise for me to speak any further. I wouldn't want to leak any secrets, would I?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRUhQ2oAol
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46ZpHuOVZM
By the standards of the Pillars, the room was spacious. Desks and chairs occupied space intermittently, and none were in such a position that they'd become serious obstructions. Despite the ideal conditions, Lola's brow twitched, because it was the abundance of furniture that allowed her powers to be so effective. And due to the material the foundation and exterior of the building were made of, she had ever greater restrictions.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgm6earFCWK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK1yOPWnGC
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm33oZUEOwl
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe38QwcR6iD
She shifted a leg back and shrunk her posture, pointing her dagger like a cat rearing to pounce. She didn't move, though. Her other hand hid behind her back, expelling mana and forming a mass of rock. The Harbinger tilted her head in response.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBGgp37E5T
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvarriLRvRT
"Do you have something you want to say?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE0pPtu5DB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiMll9Bj0i
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCffHMCMCGM
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesg5PATevW
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSVkBXEOOi
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo49cqKNIb
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6TYYTTpnA
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT87i02zJZE
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkDnkL22ri
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEdwueKRwi
The Harbinger threw her head back while rolling her eyes. She opened her mouth as if to respond, but suddenly, she took a defensive stance with her knife with a reverse grip. The shift made Lola jump, and her mana expulsion was interrupted.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSX5fspNkS3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbCTXEv9ob
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEvGIZlUUt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfCrE5qO5r
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJERlrEkowS
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKBeBUv88U
"Call me Anima."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnEjbxXDIl
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27tuLJw5t5
Her words came out of her mouth like hurled stones. Sluggish, spoken through a calm demeanor, they were laced with an apathy that stabbed at Lola's composure. A flurry formed in her chest, the one she felt every time she had to do the dirty part of her job; a putrid, crimson red. Only now, its color was blighted with a grassy yellow. After Lola's initial shock, the change dwindled in power. It was the same business as always, after all.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4afOxRg5a
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFsi3LDsLb
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOVvxgirg5
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jRsCD4Grn
Then, the Harbinger dashed.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCnMBnyCcY
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9w7Bv1JTk
She charged at Lola with brisk steps, holding the knife out like it was a battering ram. Her speed was surprising, but Lola reacted accordingly, dashing backward. Anima clicked her tongue, stopped her advance, and veered to the side. It surprised Lola, but she dispelled it quickly when the image of a flying chair grew closer and closer. She couldn't duck, so she stepped to the side, but an armrest of the chair caught her shoulder.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOBDSPcqUm
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUNlAcy7UZ
"Ngh!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuBZN9nArM
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KCR8OW6xB
It hurt, but a bite on the lips drowned the pain. Anima's absurd move confused her and raised dozens of questions, but she had the time to answer none. Her opponent advanced, getting close enough to attempt a few swings. Lola dodged the first two, but after ducking the third, she pointed her dagger and thrust it at Anima's chest. But though it looked like it was sure to hit, Anima strafed to the side and avoided it perfectly. Lola's body committed to the trajectory of the knife just long enough for Anima to–187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG79iE3thsT
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6lDUpix2e
**THUD**187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiFLBmuZpV
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwZH3MLqCc
She delivered a kick to Lola's jaw, disorienting her and sending her rolling across the floor. Though it didn't hurt very much, the hit sent her head spinning. She got up quickly, though staying on her legs was arduous.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOip3yUWvHm
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF4MeGkhI8
She caught Anima sprinting towards her. Too confused to make a complex motion, she simply fell on one of her knees and began mana expulsion.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mbc2C6sFO
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscEhjHKIru
"--!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DEo5GFPsl
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmqm05wrVl
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiLoGErnpY
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjXW0LtHkj
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdw0JsmGIcn
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa66SCNjBK
As she regained her senses, she lamented the state of the room. Even the floor was magic-resistant, making it nigh-impossible to use her earth magic in such an offensive way. She desperately wanted to devise a plan, beginning to regret how carelessly she entered the battle, but her opponent handed her no such luxury.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpOg5reKPF
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV6roKVhDy
Immediately, Anima jumped over the limp stone slab brandishing her knife. Lola was forced again to act defensively, backing away from the aggressive swings of the Harbinger. She swung once and twice, then followed up with a stab. Lola prepared to step back, but a sudden collision halted her.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYOM66a2k9
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYXs8CqF0c
She had hit a wall.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2maxx0DEw
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWicQGUN12y
"--!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrJW4zOjPo
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XlOQrRUT2
If she opted to move her whole body, she'd be punctured. If she stepped to the side the knife would still nip her considerably. Enduring such a taxing injury this early wasn't an option. Thus, instead of moving her body–187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtxIcL6crq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDufwRql8j
**CLING**187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrqg04SSWc
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTyh7vEd60
She intercepted Anima's blade with her own, catching it between the dual prongs of her dagger. The Harbinger's eyes widened for a moment, clearly surprised. Lola made note of that as a struggle ensued.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybCj1N402e
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRUNM9AxyG
"Huh. I can't break free."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFPErMzXJY
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Jqt5g8Gqk
The serrations on her knife caused it to get caught on the dagger. She couldn't dislodge it, but Lola's weapon was just as stuck as her opponent's. Anima jerked her leg, clearly preparing a kick, but Lola didn't react. The Harbinger delivered a blow to her right. She winced, but in her head, she celebrated.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIXQhJZg0y
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUCh2aw4bJ
"--Huh?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzygY6aMUB
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDehn8xEAo
"Caught you!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkV8sq17dBd
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN6OeWcq6O
She had Anima's leg wrapped in her arm. She tightened her hold, squeezing hard enough that a lesser fighter's bones would've shattered. Then, she began mana expulsion.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhr4YigYid6
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75HrLQqOAX
"You!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4apzNuAA23
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4avEFDdNM
Anima's panic was clear and immediate. At first, she attempted to pull her leg out of Lola's grasp, but she could barely make it nudge an inch. It did, however, make a spell difficult to produce.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUoGjunTfp
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEzblnAv3k
It was laborious, but Lola was sure that she guaranteed a blow. She formed a blade of earth, focusing on width rather than length, and prepared to blast it through the Harbinger's leg. But then, she suddenly felt a force at her front, and her body jerked forward.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmgPCSyj4M
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xbS3YuToD
The Harbinger freed her knife from Lola's dagger. Of course, it was the obvious decision when she forfeited the support of both arms. Lola had no time to curse herself for her oversight, because now a blade was soaring at her face. She ducked her head in time and, acting on instinct, she tackled Anima with a headbutt to her stomach.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVmLVZDdqC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vrTjAE04z
"Hrk!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5y7rLI8v4
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdID4LGYcf
She recoiled from the blow, taking a few jagged steps back. Lola realized that she let go of her leg, but she still had the stubby cylinder of stone to hurl. And hurl it she did.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4JNUgI5RI
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufvfyteNN7
The Harbinger still reeled from the strike. Even through her rushed and lousy aim, Lola was confident that her cylinder would slug her opponent's head. Only, that didn't happen.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVIK3PvYiV
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOoLuw8qt6
By an inch the cylinder missed, and it wasn't because Lola aimed poorly, but because the Harbinger let herself stumble onto the ground, landing on her ass.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPcluz9VLQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XQD7TJr8Z
Lola's bewilderment was profound, but she wasn't foolish enough to avoid capitalizing on her opponent's state. She leaped forward and stabbed the dagger from above, but she only hit the ground as the Harbinger rolled away. She hopped on her feet and tossed a haymaker kick that Lola retreated her head just in time for. Anima's follow-up blow was too sudden for Lola to dodge.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡio28IEWMlC
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUd87a2Uty
She ate a heel to the head, a strike so fierce she flew to the wall. Fortunately, her chin wasn't hit, so Lola avoided being dazed. But her vision was blurred and her hearing was impaired.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D914bOzra
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTib2mgo0wZ
Lola, however, had a spectacular guess as to what her opponent would do next, and so she retaliated. She placed both her hands on the ground, carelessly expelling mana and producing not a slab of earth, but a wave of water.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscWfY3rF2l
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprqv2KS1JJ
A few seconds passed until her senses returned. When her vision was clear, she was pleased to find herself still alive, but now the entire room was damp and flooded. Anima was on the other side, similarly drenched, though she clearly suffered no damage.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34aGDil7U7
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4kym6TVfR
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9GSCVupdu
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoby7BDz8Dc
"...This is irritating."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxp9u1JmX00
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2peIijtR2i
Lola got up to her feet, contorting her face. She made sure to at least keep one eye open because the Harbinger wasn't someone to be lax around. She found it difficult to keep her focus, though.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0jaOmQChe
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIxHzcr3hI
This moment. This eternal, present moment; how she loathed it. Her opponent was slippery in figure and form, escaping every jab Lola threw her way. And now, the entire floor was ruined. The furniture was maimed and jumbled by the force of the water. The carpet absorbed so much that it looked like it would burst.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuzi8kPYQS
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4gU26YFQl
It had barely been a few minutes, but Lola was beginning to get tired. Her stamina was unusually low, but with how much she drank to suppress her stress, it shouldn't have come as a surprise. She chuckled. For a moment, she had an awful load of clarity.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ErQ0dZ53H
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAOY6eVHd5
Giving up became more and more alluring.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHIKCxHbq1
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgaa8MWdP1
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxoEBLtb68
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGducttokH
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRF1eLvQDt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVb9DUifLW
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM1QwHdVYL
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUlGIidiXa
The Harbinger looked at her with vigilance. Lola suspected that she had earned some respect from her, but she doubted that would make the fight any easier.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnqutluVRK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A3APppLWm
As it was right now, she couldn't make any progress. Anima hadn't even used her magic yet, and yet Lola struggled to deliver a meaningful blow. At the rate she was going, she'd be whittled down, engaged in a battle of attrition she didn't have the mettle to endure.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37vhsnGXCb
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r6LTPcOWr
But options were scarce. Any direct attack would either be dodged or countered and any spell was either too weak or suffered the same fate. With how aggressive Anima was being, she had no time to imbue the room with her mana.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3fgQYoCVN
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiVMuZbZJ1
"...Unless, of course."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QXmYODQnA
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIZ1a3elTv
She had to concede that her opponent was the better fighter in hand-to-hand combat; those few exchanges were all it took for her to realize. But it seemed to Lola that she was the far better mage.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6RibNV93x
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cUKEYrJvA
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsUz8CMuOW
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRDTzwhZOL
"I don't like what you're planning!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbczPNusd5K
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0MGZ6J8Tt
Anima was an opponent who had an impossible ability to predict actions. Anima was an opponent who was cautious about and loathed being confrontational. Yet despite this, she was a skillful aggressor. But she was not impenetrable.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L6kzBJLXK
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF8vYK8LMW
As the Harbinger charged for the umpteenth time, Lola remarked at how inconsistent her ability to predict was. The reason for the discrepancy was unknown to her, and she had no opportunity to ponder and deduce it. That, however, would lose all its relevancy if every inch of the room was a weapon.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ABKJzGrku
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCYjUISU8A
Her approach changed. Anima threw a small ball of fire at Lola, but expecting divergence, Lola was unfazed. She smacked the spell away with her dagger, preparing to back away again, only to hesitate once she noticed how close the Harbinger was. Anima thrust her knife– an action parried by Lola's swift movements. She attempted a riposte, but with a reckless motion, had her dagger countered with a resounding clang.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVe0JXuBwqG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXtOB0V9Ka
It became clear to Lola that knifeplay was inimical for progress. Thus, she backed away, a motion that took advantage of Anima's poor posture. The Harbinger clicked her tongue and prepared another spell. It wasn't a haphazard product this time, but a sizeable, dangerous wall of flame. Lola had a skulking smirk, but a telling sea of sweat.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbxKfKhBmU
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeyAKUb6df
It became time to set her plan in motion. She released the bubbling mana in her hand and suspended it behind her back, then formed a mass of water of similar size. She took great relief in seeing Anima's eyes widen, reeling her arm and flinging her spell.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1kPSmFBsn
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFXtLbYVg5
The Harbinger hastily threw her own spell to match Lola's. The two met, and a cloud of vapor burst from the collision, spreading through the entire room instantly. The haze was surprisingly thick; Lola knew that staying in place would only hurt her. She grabbed her suspended mana and continued supplying it, running through the steam and keeping a watchful eye–187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZvEBPFjln
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZNADyS4BN
**THUD**187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqlrwV9Ud3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiUQzgYXrc
But then she felt a great force slam her stomach. She rolled across the room, clutching her gut. It wasn't even remotely a fatal blow, but she cringed as if her organs burst.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oEcamercQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPhgUN41Iw
She tried to stand on her feet. She was only halfway stable before she caught something shifting in the fog. She jerked to avoid it–187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYFvTAIWmt
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBX6tHQakq
"--Hrk!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoOj7pzNcQ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB4ScLIW9f
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7irVG4k2S
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fj0s3DNBn
Her reaction wasn't a result of instinct, but a habit acquired from her time in the field. She lifted her foot and swiped it in front of her, connecting with something. The steam began to dissipate, and she caught the Harbinger several meters away from her, but now her right femur felt one nudge away from being dislocated from her hip. She dashed away and looked at the new source of pain: her sizzling gash.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5VdPog6n6
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdl512fa33
It was on her right shoulder. She was thankful that she wore protective gear, because otherwise the cut could've net her a lost arm. Though, with how much it bled, it was still nothing to scoff at. She collapsed for a moment, scoffing.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2WzPNqV9j
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw7CWsAREE
"This..."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazVMlPC30d
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMJPNDItti
She hardly had the strength to verbalize her complaints, but her ire wasn't her denied by her sudden dumbness. She paused releasing mana into her spell, suspending it into the air again and performed mana spinning on herself.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSf9wkIzlHd
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuPXHDuLGU
She could only do a little before her opponent returned to harassing her. Lola clicked her tongue, but got on her feet and brandished her dagger.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGjnuiYNao
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54irGf8Gc5
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllFgjCDfMW
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIb25tlxW7
Lola realized just how much trouble she had keeping calm. It stunned her for a moment, but ultimately, she still decided to challenge Anima's approach.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaHLnGzizu
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEl8ItDKjC
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpwDdmKOVL
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZxHCrvxv0
"--sneaky!"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WrvjVtk8B
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0ST5zMSR8
Anima thrust her knife again, and again Lola parried it with her dagger. It wasn't as impactful, having it be done with her non-dominant hand, and Anima took advantage of it to try a slash. Lola moved reeled her head just in time and retaliate with an upward kick. Anima blocked it with her forearm, though it was only so effective, and since it was Lola's right leg she winced from the move. The Harbinger tried thrusting again, but had her blade caught in between Lola's.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXb8tdPPT0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oT29FiiDA
Instead of baiting a grab, Lola acted fast. She twirled her wrist and jerked her arm to her, weakening Anima's grip, then hurtled her arm the otherway, and Anima's knife flew across the room.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIp8TYUN8C
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2rBpndPDd
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcclV87Zg51
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah7aLMQq37
She managed to brace her jaw before the impace, but it still made her head ring. She was met with another one, and then a third one to her chest.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGlPFcY2OF
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZrEdJXjI4
And of course, none of them were strong enough to send her flying. It was only after a short flurry, a storm of blows and jabs, that the Harbinger hit her hard enough to create distance.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPIgM2l6hz
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfU5Nfsa316
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDkJRsDt4U
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuaQUZ4nSM
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aUZnM4OFf
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPypkUUMUsq
She checked her spell and determined it still wasn't ready. Only a little more– only a little more and the battle would finally turn to her side.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHg5mwuJUy
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ232NI0Lo48
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUggxtNHxX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGTHidAGI9
Even as the Harbinger went to grab her knife, moseying as if she hadn't an opponent at all, she had no drive to stand.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSu3Slu6aT
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6q3lakvYr
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6WnsSd8y8
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFHCdEgya2
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5waHCX1yo
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5Z6BHfooO
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrNn94eR85
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdRId5CLl8
"I win, though–"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuNWoT2kHG
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZg9MxvFwk
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjt1vddi50
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Et4Z5ptY5
Anima didn't even spare her an insult, she darted her head to the walls and sprinted. Lola eyed her and noticed she was heading to the exit. Then, listlessly slapping her right hand on the floor, her mana permeated throughout the soaked room.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1evqcfp1W
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nCDPSA2JV
The effect was immediate. The room's stern architecture dawned a sludge-like form, one that slowed Anima down instantly. She threw Lola a look of scorn and raised her knife, hurling it at her. A piece of the floor rose to intercept it.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWsaBxDJbh
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5Wbrcg6iK
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXJHcbDzKD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDKrr0FVGj
She got on her legs, using a half-broken chair that slid to her as a support. She eyed the Harbinger, who, though still looked furious, was surprisingly calm.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywsTMKZRzJ
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V1psp1d35
"Can't move your legs?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjJ7UHVWVo
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWve97VzEU
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zx0p0Emhq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pLOeauudH
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxB8q9d1CR2
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zxcp95JH0
Even Lola was surprised at her laughter. It detracted her from her disgruntling situation for a moment. She gazed at the Harbinger. She did nothing more but gaze.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1vkYps3j9
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRj1F6Qkl7n
"Aren't you going to do something?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqvMpJ9u4o
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxJd7RPHW8
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jVmR1dJum
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS1wVeVirF
The Harbinger rolled her eyes in response. Lola commanded the room to form a spike out of the furniture, then created a mock catapult out of the floor.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGHdTVhbx4
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1hHOkOTAY
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjESEACot76
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWM4PFf9in
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGv1KKm3Id
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE8BTC1nH6
Anima suddenly ducked and extended her hand, firing a ball of fire that had little time to form, but was strong enough to blast the catapult. Lola was brough back to the present, and again she commanded the room to attack, but as she did, Anima pointed her arms in the opposite direction of the wall, and then–187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva0kakaDVX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt4S3bEqp0
**BOOM**187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbqPmc4KuE
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEKwiFMXFL
A gust of wind powerful enough to send every unfixed object to the opposite side blew in the room. Lola was sent to the wall, which cushioned her collision instead of exacerbating it, but it still hurt. When she opened her eyes, she saw a giant hole, and her opponent on the other side.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOVuZwGKu9
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yrfcNiHzl
Anima stood up. Even from this distance, she could make out all the scratches from the debris. They exchanged looks. Lola expected Anima to turn and run, but she approached, stopping short of the hole in the wall.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7sOlkskjz
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjc9DL13xZj
"People like you," she said, pointing her bruised finger, "people like you. You fill me with putrid disgust, so loathsome I oughta spit at you."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlw41vdGs3r
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRbWx3eTIq
"--?"187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEknuYh25qw
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL8l8Cxx6A
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPiijnrlv3
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1TjlevDic
She withdrew her head, turned around and ran. Lola was stumped for a moment, but she discarded her words. It was just the deranged ramblings of a Harbinger, after all.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugkGx3GWsD
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcH1iwiUEi
"...Ehh."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7dwZNfM5G
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz4xs1mAwo
She shook her head. She focused on what was before her, what was relevant. She succeeded. That thought rang in her head through the various junk she was preoccupied with.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQPl06FQM0
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2SKfo8V8F
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhGbPRVHcc
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3TzPxZ3rq
"..."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuucZQyenmX
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrOWHEmvQV
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWh7ZhpIv2d
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXUEK4mi6g
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHALOfzNwq
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIir9cXnCb
The wound on her shoulder still gushed blood. Her energy drained faster because of it, but she had to tend to it to live. She began mana spinning. Still hurt, still tired, still doused.187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWAbu3h0HR
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZORAkF9RG7
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
187Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVbpDL0quL
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